Why Is It Always Bad To Have an Attitude?

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I think we have an aversion to the word bad. I often hear statements like the following :

Don’t get an attitude with me.

Looks like we’re going to get some weather this weekend.

The movie is good, but it’s got some language.

Of course, attitude implies a bad attitude, weather implies bad weather, and language implies bad language. I find this weird. A friend recommended a movie recently, but warned that it had “some language in it.” Of course, I replied, “Well, I hope so. I’m not a fan of silent films.”

I had never heard threatening weather referred to as simply “weather” until I moved here to southeastern Virginia. I wonder if it’s a regional thing. But it’s common for people to watch out for “weather” around here. Isn’t there always weather? Some weather seems pretty pleasant, in fact.

Some attitudes are clearly good too. Why must it be a bad thing to have an attitude?

It strikes me as pessimistic to assume all language, weather, and attitudes are bad. I can’t think of a case where we assume the best about essentially neutral words.

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Leave your comments below. Watch your attitude and your language.

About the Author

Brian WaskoBrian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better.View all posts by Brian Wasko

  1. Melinda
    Melinda02-22-2014

    Drives me nuts! I can add another: behavior or behavioral. I’m a nurse and often I get told during report that the kid is behavioral. Lol. I have to keep myself from saying “they’re ALL behavioral! The point of report is so you can tell me what KIND of behavior they have been exhibiting!”.

    • Brian Wasko
      Brian Wasko02-23-2014

      I haven’t heard that one, but it’s the same idea. Thanks.

  2. Xabelina
    Xabelina02-22-2014

    Your intellect is awesome! Lol! You made me laugh! Thank you!

    • Brian Wasko
      Brian Wasko02-23-2014

      I’m glad you liked it. Your first sentence made my wife laugh too. 🙂

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